Seizure of Contraband and Unauthorized Items at Drummond Institution

LAVAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 13, 2016) - Correctional Service Canada

On September 10, 2016 at about 9:20 p.m., as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was found on the perimeter of Drummond Institution, a medium security federal institution.

The items seized included one cell phone and a charger, 500 grams of tobacco, 45 grams of hydromorphone, 4 lighters, 4 packs of rolling papers and one pack of matches. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $32,950.

The institution was placed on lockdown to allow staff to conduct a search of the yard. The search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates. Normal operations resumed on September 11, 2016 around 11:00 a.m.

The police have been notified and the institution is investigating.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband and unauthorized items into correctional institutions.

The CSC has set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions to receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates and staff members working at CSC institutions.

The toll-free number, 1-866-780-3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.

The CSC introduced a complete smoking ban in all federal correctional institutions in 2008.